Updated: Thu, 05 Jul 2012 20:07:22 GMT | By Agence France-Presse

Google puts Italy's film heritage on YouTube

US Internet giant Google and Italy's Istituto Luce-Cinecitta on Thursday announced a joint project to make much of the country's silver screen heritage available on a YouTube channel.


Google puts Italy's film heritage on YouTube

Google puts Italy's film heritage on YouTube

"This announcement represents an important step in our efforts to safeguard Italy's rich culture and allow global public access to it," said Federica Tremolada, YouTube partnerships manager for Italy, in a statement.

"The deal demonstrates how Italy is moving to embrace the web."

More than 30,000 clips from the institute's archives are being put on a special YouTube channel, among them historical newsreels and material featuring Italian screen legends Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida.

YouTube viewers will be able to search through themed playlists of copyright-protected film material.

"Instead of fearing the net, one of Italy's most venerable names in culture is seizing a giant opportunity to both preserve -- and profit -- from its rich artistic heritage," said Tremolada in her statement on a Google blog.

In 2010, Google struck a deal with the Italian government to digitize one million books from the national libraries of Rome and Florence.

Google has also featured Italy's national monuments in its World Wonders project and partnered with museums for the Google Art project.

0Comments

Sports News

Spurs triumph in overtime, push Grizzlies to brink
Spurs triumph in overtime, push Grizzlies to brink

The San Antonio Spurs shook off a sluggish start and dominated overtime to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 104-93 and move within one victory of reaching the NBA finals.

Celebrity Gossip

Gemma Arterton gives the movie roles she is offered a lot of consideration because she wants to set a good example to young girls.
Gemma Arterton's role model ambition

Gemma Arterton gives the movie roles she is offered a lot of consideration because she wants to set a good example to young girls.

Sci-Tech News

  • China police billions spell profit opportunity

    Mannequins in riot gear, armoured cars and drones line a police equipment and "anti-terrorism technology" trade fair in Beijing as vendors seek to profit from China's huge internal security budget.